WEEK 11

Friday - March 23

More experiences hard to describe. I said good-bye to one of my English classes at Smile Africa in the aftrnoon after spending all morning thoroughly cleaning the house. The most important thing that the ladies mentioned over and over was how grateful they were for learning to write their names. But they were thanking the wrong person. This was Pstr. Alex's idea which I believed was a great idea which I proceeded to borrow from him.

We have had an infestation of moths, and not just us. I have seen them other places as well - there must have been a hatch. It's a good thing I have no woolen clothes along.

Made "syrup" tonight to have with French toast tomorrow which is what I am preparing for Pstr. Peter's birthday brunch with Sarah and us here at the house.

Saturday - March 24

Said farewell at Juba. Pstr. Alex is going to try to get me an adungu (African harp). One of my students in the good-bye talked about how when she took her children to the doctor when they were ill, she couldn't talk, but now because of the classes, she can talk in English and she did so very well. The students are all very fond of Alex - he really helps them. Lawrence came to get me. We took his wife to the eye doctor. She is having a painful problem with her left eye. However the doctor was gone for the day. We will go back on Monday.

In the evening Peter and Sarah came over and we had a small "tasting- new-things" birthday party for him. I made some syrup last night and made French toast for them. Stevie made a salad with dressing from home. Sue worked very hard making egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches, deviled eggs and stewed sliced apples. Sue and Stevie also made iced tea. We had ordered a cake that said "Happy Birthday Peter." He was very pleased.

Sunday - March 25

Peter, Sarah and I went to Busowa to worship. At the end of worship my students brought me gifts and said good-bye. I was very touched by these people - my students from last time and my students from this time. Peter's sermon had been about good news and bad news. When I was to stand up to speak, I told them I believed that God uses the bad things that happen for his good purposes. I talked about the bad in my life that was the death of Roy and how God used that event to propel me to Africa.

In the evening had Jane and her daughter, Princess, to dinner at the Prime. We did not really have an opportunity to talk but I think Jane was pleased that I wanted to spend the time with her. I hope God uses that for good.

Monday - March 26

Oh my - what a day!! We took Rose to the eye doctor which took most of the morning. Then I met a friend at the TLT for lunch - a difficult lunch. Said good-bye to another friend. I had barely gotten home when I received another call so had one last meeting. Ended the day beating myself at Scrabble.

Tuesday - March 27

Peter came this morning to settle some money and household things and we exchanged info. Lawrence took me to Wikus. The students were a bit upset because no one had let them know it was my last day. I didn't want them to know because I knew it would have been a lot of gift giving. On the other hand, maybe it was a pleasure I had now denied them. Sometimes, MANY times, it is very hard to know what the right thing, the best thing is to do. We spendt quite a bit of time talking about how they could develop a market for their handwork. I will discuss the issue with Peter to see if we can come up with some creative ideas to help the women work together. He needs someone to develop this project and delegate it. They also came up with the idea of meeting the people of the other classes I taught in Busowa and Juba for some social exchange.

Wednesday - March 28

Today my father would have been 93.

Something I forgot to mention yesterday was something new I observed and learned. I wanted teacher James to be in the class photos. I asked him to sit on the bench with some of the ladies. All of a sudden there was a shuffle of bodies. The ladies had rearranged themselves. When I questioned this, James explained some of the ladies were his in-laws and it was tabu to sit next to them, so now he was sitting next to his sister.

It was good-bye at Smile Africa. The class photo taking got ridiculous, but afterward they had a mass good-bye for me with endless gifts. It was teary time for me with all the accolades. They gave me MONEY to treat myself to chicken-on-a-stick on the way to the airport. I couldn't believe it. Also, my writing class had tried to find an adungu for me as I had mentioned I was trying to find one. Such thoughtful, loving people!

Thursday - March 29

I didn't sleep a wink last night! I spent the morning packing and sweeping as Stevie will move into my room when I leave. Pstr. Alex brought the adungu that I ordered. I think I will carry it separately on the plane. Gave him the cassava and avocados I had received at Smile Africa yesterda
y. Now I just haave last minute things to do tomorrow morning before we are picked up for the airport at 11:00 a.m. The power just came back on briefly - the fan sure felt good!

I will finish this saga when I am home once again - - - -